13'Cfe 



[No. 

THE 



HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 



OF 



ECTON, 



IN THE 



COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON, 

(ENGLAND . ) 

BY JOHN COLE, 

Editor of " Ilerveiana," #c. 



" look upon this garden fair 
Of verdant hili and vale." 

Rev. W. B. Clarke. 



(seventy copies printed.) 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED BY HORACE W. SMITH. 

(From the Scarborough Edition of 1825.) 
1865. 






PREFACE. 



An early connection with the village whose history 
is developed in the following pages must be con- 
sidered as the motive, and it is hoped will be the 
apology, for the publication of the succeeding sheets ; 
yet simple as the place may appear in itself, it will 
be forever venerated as the birth-place of that up- 
right Judge, Sir Augustine Nicholls, and as the resi- 
dence of the parent stock of the illustrious Franklin ; 
it also receives high honours from its connexion with 
Bh. Percy, Hogarth, Cumberland, and a long train 
of celebrated worthies. 

The Collections relative to the former and present 
state of this ancient village were made during a 
residence there, merely for my own information and 
amusement, without the most distant idea of sub- 
mitting them to public perusal ; circumstances, how- 
ever, have since transpired which have induced me 
to prepare them for the press; and it is hoped that 
the work may be the means of preserving a few 
facts, which may prove interesting, at least to its 
inhabitants. 

The County of Northampton possessed separate 
Historical Accounts of two of its villages, before the 



appearance of the present one, but it must be con- 
fessed that they were both eminently conspicuous in 
the annals of history. Had I indeed wished to have 
added to the series of historical villages in the Coun- 
ty, Holdenby would have presented strong claims for 
distinction. 

The information contained in the volume has 
been obtained from a variety of authentic sources ; 
and I cannot in justice omit to acknowledge that 
much has been derived from the History of the 
County, by Bridges ; nor can I forget the obligations 
I owe to George Baker, Esq., of Northampton, Mr. 
Cattell, of Peterborough, and the Rev. J. L. Sisson, 
of Wakefield, for their several interesting communi- 
cations and suggestions. 

Had the encouragement in subscriptions been 
adequate to the expenditure for splendid illustration, 
the volume might have been more richly embellished, 
as the place presents objects of much interest for the 
pencil ; but it is thought that its present simple style 
of execution will not render it of less utility. 

The History of Ecton (the impression of which is 
very limited) is now with much respect presented to 
my Subscribers and to the Collectors of topographi- 
cal works in general. 

Scarborough, 
Dec. 24, 1825. 



THB 



HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 

OP 

ECTON. 



Ecton, like most other places, has been very varia- 
ble in its orthography, liaving been written Eketon, 
Echington, and in Doomsday Book Echentone ; it is 
situated in the County of Northampton, and the 
Hundred of Hamfordsho, five miles respectively from 
Northampton and Wellingborough, and sixty-six 
from London, in Latitude 52 Deg. 15 min. On the 
east a brook divides it from Earl's Barton, on the 
north it is bounded by Mear's Ashby, Sywell, and 
Overstone; on the west a narrow brook separates it 
from Great and Little Billing, and on the south the 
river Nen divides it from Cogenhoe and Whiston. 

The village is delightfully situated on rising 
ground, enjoys a pure atmosphere, and has its ap- 
proach for about a quarter of a mile on each side of 
the turnpike road, flanked with venerable elms, 
whose umbrageous branches overshadow a grassy 
plain of several yards in width, which forms a de- 
lightful place of promenade. Various pleasing pre- 
sentations of the lofty tower of the Church offer 
themselves picturesquely to view, through the aged 
trees which skirt the domain. 

It appears that Ecton has formerly been more ex- 



tensive, as a Farm-house,* with several other dwell- 
ings, under the name of Little Ecton, situated to the 
east of Mr. Isted's House, were standing in the 
memory of some of the inhabitants now living. The 
Farm-house was unfortunately destroyed by fire 
about sixty years since. Several houses also stood 
to the south of the Village : a well of good water 
which belonged to them still remains. 

For the following descent of the Manor, we are 
indebted to the late learned Antiquary, John Bridges. 

At the time of the general survey, Henry de Feri- 
eres, to whom Ralph was under-tenant, had four 
hides in Echentone. The arable land was eight ca- 
rucates. Of this estate one hide and a half with 
two carucates was in demesne; and four servants, 
eight villanes, nine cottagers, and twelve socmen, 
with eight cottagers had six carucates. There were 
two mills, of the yearly rent of fourteen shillings, and 
thirty two acres of meadow. The whole had been 
Bundis freehold, and valued at nil., but now was 
rated at cs. In Henry II.'s reign these four hides 
were in the hands of William de Mungomery, who 
held them of the Earl of Ferrers. And with the 
Family of Montgomery this Manor continued till 
the year 1595. 

In the third year of Edward I., William de Mon- 
gomery and Stephen de Burgh were bound in the 

* There is a tradition that Ecton was formerly a market-town, 
and that the market was held in a field now well known by the name 
of Dove-house close : but there is no confirmation of this report to 
be found in the fragment of the usual market-cross in the village. 



sum of two hundred marks to Nicholas de Gogenhoe 
and Amicia his wife, in consideration of which sum 
the said Nicholas and Amicia gave up all their right, 
in Eketon Mill, the meadow called the Holm, and 
the advowson of the rectory, of the which they were 
seized by the gift of John de Montgomery. By in- 
quisition taken in the twenty-fourth of the same 
reign, William de Montgomery was certified to hold 
one knight's fee here of the Earl of Derby. In the 
ninth year of Edward II., Walter de Montgomery was 
Lord of i£&efo?i. Upon levying the aid, in the twenti- 
eth of Edward III., for knighting the King's son, 
this Walter de Montgomery accounted for two 
Knight's fees in Ekton, held of the Earl of Ferrers of 
the honour of Tuttebury. 

From the Montgomery family this Manor in Ecton 
passed into the hands of Ihomas Catesby, Esq., be- 
tween whom and Arthur Montgomery a fine was le- 
vied of it in the eighteenth year of Queen Elizabeth. 



Walter Montgomery I 
Lord of Ecton anno 
38 Edward III. 

Walter de Montgomery 
in the 19th of Kichard II. 
entailed it on his son 



Roger Montgomery .= 

Edward Montgomery= 
anno I. Hen. JI. 

John Montgoinery=Margarot Mordant 

William Montgomery=Eliz. Aynsworth. 

Thomas Montgomery=Jane Worley. 



.Michael Montgomerv=Eliz. Lewi-?. 



William Theophilus Lewis Montgomery=Jane d. of Sir Arthur Kalph Lane 
h. to his hro. lius of Fr. Barne? 

Lewis. 



8 

This gentleman descended from Sir John Catesby, of 
Art/tiny worth, Kt. Judge of the Common Pleas, and 
was succeeded upon his decease in 1592 by George 
Catesby, Esq., his son and heir. In course of descent 
from this George it came to Thomas Catesby, Esq., 
who died seized of it in 1699. By Margaret his wife, 
grand-daughter to Sir Richard Samwell, of Upton, 
Kt., he left issue two daughters, Mary married to 
Henry Paget, Earl of Uxbridge, who succeeded to 
Whiston lordship, and Elizabeth the wife of Ralph 
Freeman, of Aspeden in Hertfordshire, Esq., his suc- 
cessor in the Manor of Ecton. Mr. Freeman, having 
considerably improved his estate and seat here, sold 
them in 1712 to Thomas Isted, of the Middle Temple, 
Esq., from whom they have descended to his grand- 
son, Samuel Isted, Esq., the present proprietor. 

Beside this capital manor anciently possessed by 
the Montgomeries, Warden Abbey in Bedfordshire had 
certain revenues and lands in Ecton, granted after 
the suppression of that house, by the name of a 
Manor to John Gostetvicke. This was purchased by 
Thomas Nichols, Esq., who left it at his death, in the 
tenth year of Queen Elizabeth, to Thomas Nichols, 
his son and heir, a minor of fifteen years old. In 
the twenty-eight of the same reign, a fine was levied 
of this Manor between Edtvard Stoning, Gent., and 
Augustm Nichols; which Edward the year following 
sold it to John Freeman, Gent., who then levied a 
fine of it. In the thirteenth year of James I. died 
John Freeman, Esq., at Great Billing, and, leaving 



9 

no male issue, was succeeded in his estate here by 
Catherine Gorges, wife of Sir Edward Gorges, Bart., 
only daughter of Margaret, late wife of Sir Robert 
Osborne, the only daughter and heir of the said John 
Freeman. By the inquisition then taken the premi- 
ses were certified to be held of the King in capile by 
Knight's service. 

In the fifth year of Philip and Mary died Francis 
Catesby, Esq., of Hardmede, in the county of Bucks, 
second son of Anthony Catesby, of Whiston, seized 
likewise of a Manor* with certain lands and tene- 
ments in Ecton, which he left to Thomas Catesby, his 
son and heir, a minor three years of age. This 
Manor was held of the King and Queen, as of their 
Manor Ecton, parcel of their duchy of Lancaster, by 
fealty, suit of court, and an annual payment of 
ixd. Thomas Catesby dying without issue, his pos- 
sessions in Ecton devolved on Thomas the grand-son 
of Anthony, and father of George Catesby, of Whiston, 
Esq., who transmitted it to his posterity. The whole 
Manor is now in the possession of Samuel Isted, Esq. 

The Lordship contains about two thousand, two 
hundred, and forty acres. The upper part is a red 
sandy soil. 

Gravel Pits. 

It seems that the produce of these Pits, in the 
time of Mr. Morton, was in great esteem, as he gives 

* Probably the Montgomery Manor. 



10 

the following minute description in his Natural His- 
tory of the county : 

" I shall first describe an uncommon sort of stone, 
which I call Gravel-stone for the same reason that 
the common sand-stone has its name. It consists for 
the main of sand and pebbles of the larger size, such 
as those of ordinary gravel. They are united into 
a very firm and solid body by means of a natural ce- 
ment of a finer sort of matter, which appears to be 
composed partly of a fine arenaceous or stony mat- 
ter, and partly of spar. This is the description of 
the Gravel-stone which is found lying in strata, or 
else in huge lumps, in the Gravel Pit at Ecton, and 
is there used sometimes for foundation-stones, and 
endures thus for many years without the least decay. 

The gulfe-joints that encompass the stacks of 
stone at Ecton, dividing stack from stack, are from 
three to twelve feet wide. The longest stacks are 
about ten feet square, supposing the irregularities of 
them to be taken off. The number of the strata that 
constitutes them is not always the same. So soon 
as they remove the bottom course of stone, there 
rushes in water into the Pit, both in summer and 
winter, in a dry time as well as in wet. The exte- 
rior part of the stone of these stacks, that part of it 
1 mean which lies next the gulfe-joints, is always 
moist and soft." 

Good Sand, such as is used in building, may be 
procured in a field at the top of the village. Gravel 



11 

is also dug, among which occur belemnites and as- 
troites, and griphites with several other fossil shells. 

The Spring, called Northampton Well, rises in a 
field on the left hand side of the road leading to 
Northampton. Another rises in a field opposite. 

The Church. 
In this edifice are none of the cloister-like gothic 
doors, nor richly ornamented fonts, such as we see in 
our Cathedrals or Collegiate Churches, but it affords 
one uniform display of neatness — there is nothing 
florid, nor, in the least, ornamental, in its architec- 
ture, if we except the upper story of the Tower, 
which, it is conceived, has been erected since the 
other parts of the building, as there is a manifest 
difference in the style and workmanship.* It is 
dedicated to Mary Magdalen ,f and consists of a body, 
north and south aisle, north and south porch, and 
chancel. At the west end is a handsome tower, in 
which are six highly musical bells,! (the first bear- 
ing date 1749, the second 1619, the third and fourth 
1612, the fifth 1622, and the sixth 1634,) with a 

* The north porch and the burial place of the Montgomeries 
were probably erected at the same period. 

f The dedication of the church is shown from the Will of Thomas 
Billing, of Ecton, dated 3d of July, 1504, in which he directs his 
body to be buried " in Oimitor Ecclie Bte Marie Magdal de Ecton." 
He then gives to the high Altar iis. iiijd. To the bells xiid., and 
several other similar legacies. 

% One of these bells (most probably the first,) was presented bv 
Mr. Bagley, a bell founder, of Ecton. 



12 

dome and cross at the top, of considerable elevation. 
The clock, which is destitute of a dial-plate, was put 
up in 1630, and the chimes (which play the Ath 
Psalm on a Sunday, and Britons strike home on the 
other days, at the hours of four, six, eight, and 
twelve) in 1690. Between the church and chancel 
was anciently a rood loft; and at the upper end of 
the south aisle is a chantry chapel, the burial-place 
of the Montgomeri&s. The length of the church* and 
Chancel is one hundred and twelve feet, the breadth 
of the body and aisles fifty-two feet six inches, the base 
of the tower, a square of twenty-five feet six inches, 
height, including the weathercock, j" about one hun- 
dred and sixteen feet. The interior has been lately 
ceiled and newly pewed with oak. The Chancel is 
large, and separated from the church by a neat iron 
railing, and at the altar appears the Decalogue, 
handsomely cut upon stone. Its walls are covered 
with some interesting memorials of affection by 
Rysbrac and other sculptors of eminence in their 
day, which, although they cannot pretend to a rival- 

* There is a large engraving of this church, from a private plate, 
now very scarce. It is a S. W. view, J. Shipley, del., W. H. Toms, 
sculp., at the foot of which is a small head of John Palmer, Esq., 
Lord of the Manor of Cogenhoe and Patron of this Church, W. 
Hogarth, pinx. B. Baron, sculp. An engraved account of the 
Palmer Family from Ecton Chancel, appears as a companion to the 
view of the Church. The former was reduced, aud inserted in 
Bridge's History of the County, but without a copy of the head of 
John Palmer, Esq. 

t In 1811 the Vane and Dome underwent a thorough repair, 
when the former was considerably raised. 



13 

ship with Brlngton or Warkton, afford an unusually 
elegant appearance for a village mausoleum. The 
man of genius may here have his feelings aroused 
by the contemplation of the literary eminence of the 
characters enshrined around, as here are entombed 
the remains of several 

" -rare worthies who adorn'd our land, 

And shone like constellations." 

In the wall of the south side of the church, near 
the porch, is inserted a circular carved stone, and it 
is curious to observe, that a somewhat similar one 
appears at " Aldborough, in the E. Riding of the 
county of York, bearing an ancient Saxon inscrip- 
tion, commemorating the builder of the church," a 
representation of which is given in Gough's Camden. 

On the same side, near the Montgomery burial- 
place, is a stone affixed in the building, which has 
apparently been used for some other purpose. It is 
hollowed out, and has received several indentations. 

The following inscription appears upon a stone in 
the east butment of the north porch:* 

/ 

These letters are two inches high, and cut deep 
in a stone 17f inches long, and 12 inches wide. 

* In this porch is a basin for holy water, and over the entrance 
a bracket for a statue. 



14 

The Register* begins in 1559. This Rectory in 
1254, 38 Hen. III., was valued at thirty marks; in 
1535, 26 Hen. VIII., at xxiZ. xviik viid. The 
patronage of the church was formerly in the family 
of Montgomery, and passed with their manor into 
the hands of Thomas Catesby, Esq.f In 1712, Mr. 
Freeman sold the advowson to Thomas Palmer, at 
that time incumbent ; and it is now in the hands of 
the Rev. Thomas Whalley. It is in the deanry 
Rothwell. 

The Wake follows St. Mary Magdalen (22 July). 

INCUMBENTS. 

The first institution, which I can discover, to the 
Rectory of Ecton, was by William de Ferrariis, Com. 
Derby, who presented 

Henry de Campania, clerk, A. D. 1220. To him succeeded 

Master Adam de Belstede, by Walter de Muntgomeri, 8 Sept., 
1269. 

Stephen de Burgo, by the same patron, 6 June, 1274. 

Roger de Monte Oomer. 

Ralph de Barton, clerk, Jan. 1288. 

This Gentleman probably received his name from a neighboring 
village, Earl's Barton. 

*" Parochial Registers were first introduced by lord Cromwell 
when Yicar General in 1538 (2 Hen. 9) ; but many of the clergy, 
either through ignorance or prejudice, evading compliance, the in- 
junction was enforced in 1547 (Edw. 6,) and by a canon in 1603 
(Jac. 1.) every incumbent was enjoined to complete his register 
from ' the law's first taking place,' or at least from 1558." Baker. 

f At Upton, near Northampton, are portraits of Thomas Catesby, 
of Whiston and Ecton, Esq., and Margaret both by Lely. 



15 

Simon de Hegham, by Walter de Monte Gomeri, 4 March, 1306. 

Robert de MarJceyate, acolyte, by Walter de Montgomery, son of 
the preceding, 3 Nov. 1311. " An acolyte was an inferior officer 
in the church, who handed the water vessels to the officiating 
priest ; but though acolytes and subdeacons were only probation- 
ers, and not permitted to " minister in holy things,'' yet they as well 
as minors were frequently instituted to parochial benefices, their 
diocesan injoining them to pursue their studies to qualify them for 
entering into priests' orders, and in the mean time their cures were 
consigned to the charge of chaplains or curates." 

Nicholas de Lodelowe, clerk, by Walter de Montgomery, 5 Nov. 
1324. 

John de Cobele, priest, 10 Aug. 1337. 

John de Macclesfeld, priest, 14 July, 1340. 

Henry de Astbyry, priest, by Walter de Montgomery, 5 Aug. 
1349. 

John de Newenham, priest, 7 Jan. 1353. 

Thomas West, The. Bccl. Cathed. Landaff. 16 July, 1360.. 

John Gatryk, by Roger Montgomery, 17 Jan. 1400. 

John Montgomere, clerk, by Roger Montgomere, 4 Dec. 1411. 

Robert Raldenby, clerk, by John Montgomery, 31 March, 1452. 

Master John Hauberk, D . D., by Roger Montgomery, 24 Dec. 1401. 

John Bate, priest, by the same patron, 6 Aug. 1453. He was 
presented to the Rectory of Great Billing, 24 Nov. 1444, which 
benefice he resigned on being appointed to this of Ecton. He was 
rector also of Little Billing, and of Wilby.* 

Master Edward Montgomery, priest, by the same patron, 31 Jan. 
1478. 

Master Thomas Boyvilc, priest, by William de Montgomery, 17 
Sep. 1491. 

Master John Alynson, by the same patron. 

Thomas Wilkinson, clerk, by John Montgomery, gent., 9 Nov. 
1502. 

Brother Thomas Saunders, Prior of Chacombe, by the same pa- 
tron, 20 Feb. 1503. 

Master John Woolseley, clerk, by the same patron, 30 Mar. 1535. 
* Vide Baker's Northamptonshire, 



16 

John De Coloribus, D. D., was presented by Michael Mont- 
gomery, gent., on the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 
27 Oct. 1557. 

William Phitheon, was presented Ludowick Muntgomery, gent., 
on the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 19 Jan. 1558-9. 
George Conigrave, was presented by Thomas Bawde, gent , on 
the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 15 Feb. 1577. 

Edward Still, was presented by Thomas Bawde, of Ecton, Esq., 
and Jane his wife, on the death of the last incumbent, and insti- 
tuted 19 May, 1591. 
Nicholas Baines, 1592. 

Richard Carter, A. M., was presented by George Catesby, Esq., 
of Greesley, Derbyshire, on the death of the last incumbent, and 
instituted 9 Dec. 1611. 

William Parker, A. M., was presented by John Carier. of Yax- 
ley, gent., on the resignation of the last incumbent, and instituted 
18 Sep. 1619. 

Richard Middleton, B. D. : Archdeacon of Cardigan, and Chap- 
lain to King Charles, was presented by Edward Parker, Esq., on 
the resignation of the last incumbent, and instituted 5 March, 1628, 
died 16 Nov. 1641. 

John Palmer, was presented by Sir Christopher Yelverton, Bart., 
by grant from Clifton Catesby, Esq., on the death of the last in- 
cumbent, and instituted 18 Nov. 1641. 

This gentleman was promoted to the Archdeaconry of North- 
ampton, 25 Oct. 1665, and was the successor of John Quarts, A- M. 
He was a celebrated linguist, and .published a work entitled, 'The 
Planisphere,' &c. He died in 1679, and was interred in the chan- 
cel of Ecton church, where an elegant monument, with a fine bust 
by Rysbrac, preserves his memory. 

John Palmer, A. 31., was presented by Thomas Catesby, Esq., 
and instituted 22 May, 1680. 

Thomas Palmer, A. M., was presented by Thomas Catesby, Esq., 
on the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 7 Mar. 1688-9. 
Bradley Whalley, A. M., was presented by Thomas Evans, M. D., 
Professor of Medicine, on the death of the last incumbent, and in- 
stituted 22 Feb. 1715. 

Thomas Palmer, A. M., was presented by Thomas Evans, M. D., 



17 

oil the resignation of the last incumbent, and instituted March, 
1720. 

Bradley Whalhy, A. M., was presented by John Palmer, gent., 
on the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 28 June, 1732. 

Eyre Whalley, A. M., was presented by John Palmer, Esq., In- 
ner Temple, on the resignation of the last incumbent, and insti- 
tuted 28 March, 1738. 

Peter Wludley, A. M., was pi'esented by Barbara Whalley, widow, 
on the death of the last incumbent, and instituted 5 March, 1762. 

This gentleman was the laborious editor of ''The History and 
Antiquities of the County of Northampton, collected by John 
Bridges," the publication of which was finished in 1791, of Jonson's 
works in 7 vols. 8vo. ; he wrote " An Inquiry into the learning of 
SI akspeare," " A Vindication of the Evidences and Authenticity 
of the Gospel," Lines addressed to the Rev. James Hervey on his 
" Meditations," several single sermons, &c. He was born at Rugby, 
and received his education at Merchant Taylors' school and at St. 
John's College, Oxford, of which he became fellow. He was Yicar 
of St. Sepulchre's, Northampton, and of Horley in Surrey, Rector 
of St. Margaret Patens, Master of the Grammar School, Christ's 
Hospital (1768), which he resigned in 1776, on being appointed to 
the mastership of St. Olave, Southwark. He died in 1791. 

Palmer Whalley, A. M., was presented by the same patron on 
the death of the last incumbent, and instituted Feb. 28, 1730.* He 
died April 10, 1803. 

This gentleman was confined to his room for a long period before 
his death, during which time he composed, and circulated among 
his parishioners, a small poetical work entitled, " The sick Minis- 
ter's short but affectionate Address to his People." 

Thomas Whalley, A. 31., was presented by himself, on the death 
of the last incumbent, and instituted June 21, 1803. 

* Sic in orig. Qr. 1780 ? 



18 



MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS. 

On a freestone near the chancel-door. 

HERE LYETH THE BODY 

OF CHRISTIAN BAVNES 

WIFE TO NICHOLAS 

BAVNES RECTOR OF THIS 

PARRISH WHICH DIED 

VPON THE LAST DAY OF 

DECEMBER ANO MDCXXXIV 

BEING THE LXVII YEARE OF HIR 

AGE. 

On a freestone icithin the altar rails. 

Memorise venerabilis viri Rychardi Middleton S S. 
Theologiae Professoris, et bujus ecclesiae pastoris, 
ex juitiqua fnmilia Middletonorum de Aula Middle- 
toninnp. in Comitatu Westmorlandiae oriundi. 

Qui ex hac vita faeliciter decessit die decimo 
sexto Novembris, Annoque Domini 1641. 

On a freestone at the entrance on the south side the 
chancel ; under these arms — On a Checeron Jive 
acorns impaling On a Cress three Crescent* : 

Anna Palmer 

Vidua Josephi Palmer 

Generosi, rilia Mri. Johannis Dod* 

* Mr. John Dod was one of the nonconformist divines, and a 
man of considerable acquirements, particularly in the Hebrew. He 
was called, from his celebrated Exposition of the Ten Command- 
ments, the Decalogist. He died in 1645. 



19 

Decalogistae celeberrimi 

Decessit Februarii 24 

Anno 1662. 

iEtatis suae 73. 

On collateral stones at the feet — Anns of Palmer 
impaling Catesby ivithin a bordure two lions jxtssant. 

Johannes Palmer 

Arcbidiaconus Northamptoniae 

et hujus 

Ecclesiae fidelis Pastor 

Decessit Christo Decemb. 9. 

Anno Domini 1679 

iEtatis suae 67. 

Administravit hanc Ecclesiam per annos 38 

On the adjoining stone ; 

Brigitta Palmer 
Filia Cliftoni Catesby de Ecton 

Armegeri, Vidua 

Johannis Palmer Archidiaconi 

Northamptoniae 

Decessit in Christo 

Martii 19. Anno 

1680 
iEtatis suae 54. 

l T pon a like stone : 

Johannes Palmer, A. M. 
Filius natu maximus Johannis Palmer 



20 

Archidiaconiae Northamptoniae 

Et hujus Ecclesiae post patrem fidelis Pastor. 

Decessit in Christo, 

Morte non sibi sed aliis immatura, 

21 Novembris 1688. 

Anno iEtatis suae 33. 

Curae pastoralis S. 

Collateral to the last, under the arms of Palmer, 
On a Cheveron five Acorns, impaling A frett, in chief 
three crescents, Crest, On a wreath a Demy Lion hold- 
ing an oak branch fructed : 

Thomas Palmer, A. M. 

Filius natu secundus 

Johannis Palmer 

Archidiaconi Northamptoniae 

Et hujus Ecclesiae 

Post fratrem fidelis Pastor 

Decessit in Christo 

3 Octobris 1714. 

» ) iEtatis suae 55. 

J Curae pastoralis 27. 

Anna Palmer 
Thomoe Palmer hujus Ecclesiae Rectoris 
et Annoe Uxoris ejus Filia natu Maxima 

Objit 25 Die Junii 

Anno Dni 1761. 



21 

Against the south wall of the chancel is a neatwhitt 
marble Compartment, adorned with a curtain drawn 
bach : at the top is an urn-, and between, two cherubim 
heads — below the urn these arms — Gules on a pile Ar- 
gent three lozenges of the first, impaling, Or on a 
Cheveron gides five acorns of the field. On a pedestal, 
on each side an oval tablet, is a weeping angel with 
one leg resting upon a scull and on a tablet this in- 
scription : 

Near this place 

lie the bodies 

OF SAMUEL FREEMAN, D. D.* 

Dean of Peterborough 

Who died Octr. 14. Anno 



II 



— — 7 — _^ 
April 26. Anno } ^ 



J ^Etat. 63. 

OF SUSANNAH FREEMAN 
his Widow, who dyed 

Domini 1710 
56. 

OF SUSANNAH THEIR DAUGHTER 
Who dyed Aug. 12. Anno j ^tatSl. 

Also the bodies of four infants 
BERTHIA SAMUEL SAMUEL WILL. 



* Dr. Freeman, descended from the family of that name in Hert- 
fordshire; formerly Rector of St. Anne's, near Aldersgate, and 
successor to Dr. Patrick, in the Reetory of St. Paul's, Govent Gar- 
den. 



22 
Upon two stones near each other in the chancel 

SAMUEL FREEMAN, D. D. 

AND DEAN OF PETERBURG 

DYED OCT. 14th. 

1707 

AGED 63. 

ALSO THE BODY OF SUSANNAH 

FREEMAN HIS WIDOW. 



SUSANNAH 

DAUGHTER OF SAMUEL FREEMAN, D. D. 

AND DEAN OF PETERBURGH 

AUGUST 12th. 

1707 

AGED 32. 

Upon a stone within the altar rails : 
In Memoriam 
Venerabilis viri Eyre Whalley, A. M. 
Hujus Ecclesiae dignissimi Pastoris 
Qui cum annos viginti et quatuor 
Curaverat, Subita omnino, non sibi 
sed suis morte Correptus 
Decessit in Christo 27 Jan. 
1 Domini 1762 

Anno j Aetatis suae 59. 

Upon a stone in the chancel, near the south door 

In Memoriam 

Progeniei Palmer Walley, A. M. 

Hujus Ecclesiae Rectoris et 

Mariae Uxoris ejus 

Edvardus ) 20 Maii 1772 aet. 3 

Maria Obijt V13 Feb. 1776 aet. 5 

Johannes Palmer j 11 Deem. 1780 aet. 1 

Sic Deo visum est. 



23 

Upon a marble tablet, underneath the south window 
of the chancel : 

Sacred 

To the Memory of 

Catherine Maria Whalley, 

Fourth Daughter of 

Charles James Pack, Esq. 

of Prestwould, Leicestershire. 

She died April 18th, 1817, 

Aged thirty nine years. 

Sic Deo visum est. 

Upon a tablet at the bottom of the North aisle : 

Near 

this place by 

the Remains of her 

Parents, lyeth the Body 

of Mrs. Catherine Smith, 

who whilst living, possessed 

a generous and charitable 

Disposition of Mind : 

and having discharged the Duty 

of a Housekeeper in the Family 

of Mr. Aid. John Woolston of 

Northampton, deceased, 

upwards of 40 years with 

the utmost Fidelity 

died the 2nd, day of 

May 1767, Aged 

65 years. 

Upon the wall in the aisle, near the north door. 

Memorandum that 

John Barker, Baker, 

of Ecton, Batchelor, who dyed 

September the 27th. 1729 did, in his last Will 

and Testament, give to the parish of Ecton, by 



24 

his own hand-writing in the following form : 

Also, I give to the Parish of Ecton my great acre of 

Meadow, lying and being in West-holme, in the Parish 

of Earl's Barton, the profits that arise from the 

Meadow to be distributed yearly and every year at 

Christmas, viz. Seven yards of Grey Kersey cloth, 

About three shillings a yard, to make two men's 

Coats, viz. William Morris, Sen. and Richard Hensmann, 

For and during their lives, and after their decease 

The money to be lay'd out to buy two coats for two 

Poor men as the minister and Churchwardens of 

Ecton shall think convenient, and the remainder 

of the money that is left to be given in a 

Dole of bread on Saint John's day. 

Upon a tablet in the north aisle : 

The Rev. PALMER WH ALLEY, late Rector of this Parish 
by a codicil to his Will, dated the 10th. of Sep. 1801, gave £116. 
16s. Ad. Stock in the 3 per cent Consolidated Bank Annuities, to 
six Trustees, in trust to pay the clear Yearly Dividends to the 
Rector or Minister for the time being, to be by him laid out in the 
purchase of two doles of bread one half to be distributed on Lady 
Day. and the other half on St. Michael, on which days he desired 
the Common Prayers might be read in the Church, and the doles 
given to such persons and families as should constantly frequent 
the same at the discretion of the Rector or Minister, then present ; 
particular regard being had to those, who should regularly attend 
the Holy Communion. 

S L tSt N T* 1 Curchwar^,. 




*The "familie" of Fascutt of this village is "renowned for it's 
antiquitie " in the place, as it appears that a Will of W. Greenway, 
of Eketon, dated 1489, is witnessed by Robert Foscote. 



25 

Upon a slab near the pulpit : 

CONSTANTIA ORLEBAR 

Third Daughter of 
JOHN ORLEBAR, ESQ. 

(of Hinwick, 

in the County of Bedford) 

She had been more than forty 

years resident in Ecton, 

where she died on the 

6th. of July 1808, 

aged 69. 
At her particular 
request, her remains are 
here deposited, and this 
memorial of affection placed 
by her surviving Sisters 
MARY and ELIZ. ORLEBAR.* 

Upon a neat marble tablet near the vault. 
Sacred 
to the Memory of Mary, 

wife of 
the Rev. Francis Jones, 
of Loddington, in this County, 

eldest daughter 

of Richard Carter, Esquire, of 

Foxley, in Wiltshire. 

Her remains 

are desposited in this Church, 

*The two Sisters were buried at Puddington, Beds. 



26 

in the family vault of Samuel 

Isted, Esquire; at whose house 

She expired Aug. 15. 1812, 

after an illness of 21 hours, 

in the 33J. year of her age ; 

leaving a deeply afflicted 

Husband 

to deplore her loss, 

after the short happy union 

of three months. 



INSCRIPTIONS 

IN THE CHURCH-YARD. 

Upon tivo Stones near the north porch to the memory 
of the ancestors of Dr. Franklin: 

HERE LYETH 

THE BODY OP 

THOMAS FRANKLIN 

WHO DEPARTED THIS 

LIFE JANUARY THE 6 

ANNO DOMINI 1702 

IN THE SIXTY FIFTH 

YEAR OF HIS AGE. 

HERE 

LYETH THE BODY OF 

ELEANOR FRANKLIN 



27 

THE WIFE OF THOMAS 

FRANKLIN WHO DEPARTED 

THIS LIFE THE 14TII OF 

MARCH 1711 

IN THE 77 YEA RE 

OF HER AGE. 



Inscriptions en a large Tomb near the belfry dooi 

Mary Mitchell, 

Grand- (laughter of 

Daniel and Mary Wal- 

pole. She died Sep. 

the 8, 1744, aged 

one year and five 

months. 



Near this place lyeth the 

Body of John Latham, 

and Elizabeth Carter, 

of the Parish of Widinbnry, 

in the County of Chester. 

HE died August 1725, 

Aged 52 years, SHE died 

July 1728, Aged 49 

years. 

In Memory of 

Mary "Walpole, 

Relict of Daniel Walpole. 

She died May the 8th, 1748, 

Aged 72 years. 

In Memory of 

Daniel Walpole, 

Husband of Mary Walpole. 

He died the 20th. February 

1735, Aged 66 years. 



28 

Elizabeth, 
the Daughter of Daniel 

and Mary Walpole. 

She died April the 25th. 

1721, Aged 

3 years. 

As a proof of the healthfullness of the place, the 
following instances of longevity are collected : — 
There are at least forty-three names of persons on 
Stones in the church-yard whose ages exceed 70, 
one 95, and perhaps an equal number of those to 
whom no tomb-stones have been erected. There 
are now living in the village about 10 men upward 
of 70, 10 women upward of 70, and four upward 
of 80. 



h 



ECTON HOUSE. 



At the distance of a few paces from the church 
appears the elegant Mansion of Samuel Isted, Esq., 
commanding an uninterrupted view over a delight- 
fully wooded country, embracing the charms of hill 
and valley scenery, with its pleasing embellish- 
ment, water. Here is said to have been formerly a 
nunnery or cell, subordinate to Delapre Abbey near 
Northampton, which was founded in the reign of 
King Stephen for Cluniac Nuns. At the back of 
the house is a yard, bounded by high walls, which 
still retains the name of Nwns-court. The interior 
of the house has, however, undergone a total change ; 
and, in the year 1756, a very handsome front was 
erected, composed of fine yellow stone. The sweep 
before the house is particularly enlivening, present- 
ing a fine lawn, in the centre of which is a large fish- 
pond ; the sides are delightfully enclosed with flour- 
ishing trees of various kinds, leading to tastefully 
laid-out plantations. The stone used for the build- 
ing of the house was dug from a Quarry in Mear's 
Ashby Field. 



30 



TEE LIBRARY, 

'•Presents a cheerful character, in conjunction 
with the soft and quiet scenery from the lawn in 
front." It is embellished with a few busts of cele- 
brated characters, and one painting only, and that 
an appropriate one, the Right Rev. Thomas Percy, 
Bishop of Dromore, by Abbott ; " a name," observes 
Dr. Dibdin, u consecrated in the annals of black-let- 
ter learning : dear to every man who has the curi- 
osity and sense to listen to the rude songs of his 
ancestors, and to catch a portion of the energetic 
simplicity which they impart." 

In this library is contained the "very MS. which 
formed the basis of the Bishop's celebrated ' Re- 
liques,'' which is thus described by Dr. Dibdin :*" 

"The MS. in question is a narrow, half-bound book, with blue- 
paper sides, and brown leather back. It is 15 inches and five 
eighths in length, by about 5 and six eighths in width. Every 
page has a margin, to the left, of about an inch and a half in width 
— marked by a perpendicular line : the poetry uniformly occupy- 
ing the right side of the margin. The book may be about an 
inch in thickness. We have the following introductory prefix in 
an ancient hand. ' Curious Old Ballads tvch. occasionally I have 

*The following is Dr. Dibdin's animated account of his visit to this mansion : 
" It was in the winter of* 1815, when I visited, for the second time, the worthy 
and hospitable owners of Ecton Hall, in Northamptonshire, Mr. and Mrs. 
Samuel Isted: the lady of the mansion being the eldest daughter of the poetry- 
loving Pre'ale, of whom we are discoursing The snow was on the ground, the 
h avens were turbid ; the air was sharp and biting, and the hours of day-light 
were necessarily few. At such a season, and in such a mans, on, what could be 
more delightful and congenial than, .-itting by the side of a blazing fire, the in- 
spection of the very ms. which formed the basis of the Bishop's celebrated 
'KEi-iauES,' published for the first time in 1765 in th ee crown octavo volumes!" 



81 

met with. N. B. This volume contains near 40,000 verses, reckon- 
ing 520 pages, and about 75 lines to a page : which however makes 
it 39.000.' A little farther, the Bishop has written as follows : 
N. B. When I first got possession of this MS. I was very young, 
and being in no degree an Antiquary, I had not then learnt to re- 
verence it, which must be my excuse for the scribble which I then 
spread over some parts of it's margin ; and in one or two instances 
for even taking out the leaves— to save the trouble of transcribing. 
I have since been more careful.' T. P. 

This is followed by a memorandum of great interest, signed by the 
Bishop himself, in his usual manner before he was advanced to 
the prelacy. ' Memorandum. Northumberland House, Nov. 7, 1769. 
This very curious old Manuscript in it's present mutilated state 
but unbound and sadly torn, I rescued from destruction, and 
begged at the hands of my worthy friend Humphrey Pitt, Esq. 
then living at Shiffnal in Shropshire, afterward of Prior Lee near 
that towu ; who died very lately at Bath : viz. in Summer, 1769. 
I saw it lying dirty on the Floor under a bureau in ye parlor; be- 
ing used by the Maids to light the fire. It was afterward sent 
most unfortunately to an ignorant Bookbinder, who pared the 
margin, when I put it into boards in order to lend it to Dr. John- 
son." 

Among the book-treasures here may be mentioned 
" The Northumberland Household Booh,"'' which the 
Bp. edited before his appointment to the Bishopric 
of Dromore, bearing the following title : 

The Regulations and Establishment of the House- 
hold of Henry Algernon Percy, the fifth Earl of North- 
umberland, at his Castles of Wreesil and Lei kit field, 
in Yorkshire; begun Anno Domini MD XII. Lon- 
don; printed 1770." 

In the preface, he writes that it "is copied from 
an ancient MS. m possession of the Duke and 
Duchess of Noi thumberland, who conceiving that 
so singular a curiosity might afford the same amuse- 



32 

merit and pleasure to others, which it had given to 
themselves, have caused a small impression to be 
taken off, merely to bestow in presents to their 
friends." 

THE BILLIARD ROOM 

is a capacious apartment and has its ceiling orna- 
mented with elegant frett-work. The Family Arms, 
with the motto Nosce Teipsum, are raised over the 
fire-place, upon which ancient maxim the following 
lines were written impromptu : 

KNOW THYSELF. 

To know ourselves — how hard the task ! 

Whilst pride conceals ih' unwelcome truth ; 
From our own faults to pluck the mask, 

Is difficult for age, as youth. 

May gracious heaven to me impart 

Such portion of this skill divine, 
As may ameliorate my heart, 

And check each sinful thought of mine. 

DRAWING ROOM. 

The Drawing Room is filled with Pictures, among 
which are the following : 

A Very fine Portrait of a Nun. 

A Marriage Feast, 

The Crucifixion. 

A Holy Family. 

A Candle-light Scene. 

Spanish Pieces, &c. 

Several Portraits. 



33 

The chimney piece is of marble and has an ad- 
mirable piece of sculpture upon its entablature : — 
subject — Boys sliding on the ice ; over which is a 
fine view of The Coliseum. 

THE LITTLE DRAWING ROOM. 
The following Pictures are in this much-admired 
apartment : 

Mrs. Percy, 
the late Bishop of Dromore's Lady, 
holding in her hand a scroll, on which is the cele- 
brated glee, " Oh Nanny ;" she being the original. 
The lines were addressed to her, before marriage, 
by the Bishop. 

Mrs. and Master Isted, in crayons. 
Mr. Ambrose Isted, with a view in the back 
ground of the Episcopal palace at Dromore. 
The Honble. Mrs. Meade and two of her children. 

The following lines on the death of the Hon. Mrs. M. are copied 
from the Northampton Mercury. 

Eemembrance backward turns her eye 
Through the dim shade of vanish'd years, 

And brings the forms of Friendship nigh — 
The Muse embalms them with her tears. 

Oh ! once that Muse, in life's fair noon — 

But long the date is past and o'er, 
Could boast a Friend — oh ! lost too soon ! 

The worthy Prelate of Dromor. 

The Friend of Goldsmith — Johnson's Friend — 

Of Jones — of Genius every where — 
Candid to blame — proud to commend — 

In learning deep — of judgement clear — 
3 



34 

And oft she yet recalls the hours 

Of classic converse — social glee, 
Beneath yon hospitable bowers, 

Lamented Percy ! pass'd with thee. 

And well she recollects the gloom, 

That all the neighborhood o'erspread, 
When Fate's irrevocable doom 

Descended on thy honor'd head. 

But hark ! again the voice of woe 

Is heard by Lagan's winding stream — 
Again the tears of sorrow flow — 

A kindred Star withdraws its beam ! 

A Scion of the Percy stock, 

By every virtue graced, endear'd — 
Cut off by Death's untimely shock, 

Has from earth's vision disappear'd ! 

The wounds of Friendship bleed anew — 

(For she too was the Poet's friend) 
Lamented Lady ! long for you 

Shall warm Affection's sighs ascend. 

Over the door is Ecton House, and on the right 
hand of it a very beautiful Landscape. 

TAPESTRY ROOM. 

Here is a large piece of Tapestry— Hunting the 
Stag. 

This Room contains the following Family Por- 
traits : 

Ambrose Isted, Esq., Citizen of London, Son of 
Richard Isted, of Lewes in Sussex, Gent. ob. 1692. 

Mrs. Sarah Isted, Wife of Ambrose Isted, Esq., 
Citizen of London, Daughter of Thomas Feltham, 
Citizen of London, ob. 1720. 



35 

Thomas Isted, of Ecton, in Northamptonshire, 
Son of Ambrose Isted and Sarah his Wife, born 
Dec. 9, 1677. Died Oct. 12, 1732. 

Mrs. Anne Isted, wife of Thomas Isted, of Ecton 
in Northamptonshire, Esq., Daughter of Fulk Rose, 
of the Island of Jamaica, Esq. and Elizabeth, his 
wife. Ob. Dec. 26. 1722. 
Fulk Rose, of the Island of Jamaica, Esq. 
Ambrose Isted, Esq. 

Mr. Cumberland, in his Memoirs, gives the fol- 
lowing excellent character of Mr. Ambrose Isted : 
" Through every scene of my life, from my child- 
hood to the lamented event of his death, which 
happened whilst I was in Spain, he was invariably 
kind, indulgent, and affectionate to me. I conceive 
there is not upon record one, who more perfectly 
fulfilled the true character of a country-gentleman 
in all its most respectable duties and departments 
than did this exemplary person ; nor will his 
name be forgotton in Northamptonshire, so long as 
the memory or tradition of good deeds shall circu- 
late, or gratitude be considered as a tribute due to 
the benevolent. He was the pattern and very 
model of hospitality most worthy to be copied : for 
his family and affairs were administered and con- 
ducted with such measured liberality, such correct 
and wise economy, that the friend, who found noth- 
ing wanting which could constitute his comforts 
found nothing wastefully superfluous to occasion 
his regret. Though Mr. Isted's estate was not 



.36 

large, jet by the process of enclosure, and above all 
by his prudent and well-ordered management, it 
was augmented without extortion and left in ex- 
cellent condition to his son and heir. The benefits 
he conferred upon his poorer neighbours were of a 
nature far superior to the common acts of almsgiv- 
ing (though these were not omitted) : for in all 
their difficulties and embarrassments he was their 
counsellor and adviser, not merely in his capacity 
of acting justice of the peace, but also from his legal 
knowledge and experience, which were very con- 
siderable and fully competent to all their uses ; by 
which numbers, who might else have fallen into 
the talons of country-attorneys, were saved from 
pillage and beggary. ,With this gentleman my 
father acted as justice, and was united in friendship 
and party ; and to him he resorted upon all occa- 
sions, were the opinion and advice of a judicious 
friend were wanted. Our families corresponded in 
the utmost harmony, and our interchange of visits 
was frequent and delightful. The house of Ecton 
was to me a second home, and the hospitable master 
of it a second father ; his gaiety of heart, his suavity 
of temper, the interest he took in giving pleasure to 
his guests, and the fund of information he possessed 
in the stores of a well-furnished memory and lively 
animated genius, are ever fresh in my recollection, 
and I look back upon the days I have passed with 
him as some of the happiest in my life. For many 
years before his death, I saw this excellent man by 



37 

intervals excruciated with a tormenting and incura- 
ble disease, which laid too deep and undiscoverable 
in his vitals to admit of any other relief than lauda- 
num in large doses could at times administer : no- 
thing but a soul serene and piously resigned as his 
was, could have borne itself up against a visitation 
at once so agonizing and so hopeless; a spirit, how- 
ever, fortified by faith, and a conscience clear of re- 
proach can effect great things, and my heroic friend 
through all his trials smiled in the midst of his suf- 
ferings, and submitted unrepining to his fate. One 
of the last letters he lived to write I received in 
Spain : I saw it was the effort of an exhausted frame, 
a generous zeal to send one parting testimony of his 
affection to me, and being at that time myself ex- 
tremely ill, I was hardly in a capacity to dictate a 
reply." 

The Bishop of Dromore. 

The Lady of the Bishop of Dromore, 
with several other portraits. 

A large painting of the Honorable and Rev. P. 
Meade's Family. 

In another apartment is a portrait of 

Mrs. Ann Isted, Daughter of Ambrose Isted, Esq., 

and Sarah his Wife. Born Feb. 26, 1682. Died 

Jan. 28, 1763. 

And in one of the bed-rooms, a very effective por- 
trait of King James the 2nd, when Duke of York, in 
armour. 



38 

Attached to the house are flower-gardens, planta- 
tions, and grounds otherwise diversified by orna- 
ment, and laid out in a style worthy of the taste of 
Brown ; in one of the former of which is erected a 
Summer- House from a design by the celebrated 
Inigo Jones. 

In these Gardens, about two hundred yards north 
eastward from the Church, as Mr. Catesby's work- 
men were levelling some ground in 1762, they dis- 
covered several bones and skulls lying in order from 
west to east. Among them were found two Saxon 
silver coins, of the size of a silver three-pence, which 
is an argument that may be adduced to show the 
probability of its having been an establishment of 
the Saxons; and hence an idea of the antiquity of 
the place is formed, although respecting the extent 
of its jurisdiction we have no account. 




" This Coin occurs in the first table of the Saxon Coins, in Bishop 
Gibson's Edit, of Camden's Brittania. And it is not unlike the 
Coin described by Speed in p. 392 of his History."* 

* Bridges. 



39 



THE RECTORY HOUSE 

is situated very near the Church, and is a substan- 
tial edifice of stone, built by Mr. Palmer, Rector, in 
1693; since which period two wings have been add- 
ed, one forming a handsome Drawing-room, and the 
other a Kitchen, &c, and along the whole length of 
the original portion of the building has been raised 
an ornamental veranda; which, in conjunction with 
a flower-garden in front, gives a cheerful appearance 
to the rectorial mansion, now occupied by the Rev. 
Thomas Whalley. 

Although Hogarth was a^frequent visitant at the 
Rectory, yet it was not likely that any of " the first 
efforts of his genius " should be discovered among 
the stores of Ecton, as here the great artist did not 
appear until he had attained the meridian of his 
fame ; but a few of his unequalled performances yet 
grace the walls of 

THE DRAWING ROOM, 
which are here enumerated : 
Portrait of Hogarth. 

His head in a cap, a pug dog, and a palette with the line of 
beauty.* 

Portrait of John Palmer, Esq., Lord of the Manor 
ofCogenhoe (Vide p. 10.) 

* " There is a print engraved by Hogarth himself, from this 
painting, which is excessively scarce ; (usually sells for three 
guineas) as, after striking off a few impressious, he effaced his own 
head from the plate, and inserted that of Mr. Churchill." 



40 



The Village Magistrate. 



This House, beside being the receptacle of the 
original paintings of Hogarth, contains also a very 
good collection of English Coins and Medals ; and 
the Library presents a small, but splendid and 
choice, assemblage of works on Divinity, &c. 

In a room above stairs, fitted up correspondently 
throughout with antique furniture, and presenting a 
pleasing picture of ancient decoration, are portraits 
of the Rev. Palmer Whalley (with a view of Ecton 
Church,) and his lady. 

There was formerly a bowling-green at the termi- 
nation of the grove, wh^ch is situated behind the 
house; but it has of late years given place to im- 
provements according to the modern taste. 

On the south side of the Church is a building 
erected in the modern cottage style, the residence of 
Miss Ann Orlebar, to which Dovehouse close forms 
the lawn, it having been environed with plantations 
and otherwise embellished, and the place is alto- 
gether a delightful abode.* 

The present public-house, called The Worlds End,t 

* The Farm-house near the lawn attached to Miss Orlebar's cot- 
tage, was built by Mr. Henry Bagley, Bell-founder. 

The House in Church-lane, near the cottage was built in 1813. 
The large red stones at the corners came from the Ekins' mansion 
at Weston Favell. 

The large House near the Parsonage was built by Mr. John Bar- 
ker, Baker. 

f The old public-house stood near the large Walnut-tree in the 
orchard belonging to the present building. 



41 

was built about sixty years since. The accommo- 
dations here are superior to those of the generality 
of village-inns, and the stabling extensive. As Ho- 
garth was a visitor of the place about that period, it 
is very probable that it received its sign from that 
celebrated artist's curious emblematical production 
under the same title. 

Situated in about the centre of the village is the 
Free-school, a neat erection, bearing the following 
inscription upon its front : 

A SCHOOL FOR POOR CHILDREN 

built by John Palmer, 

A. MDCCLII. 

Mr. Palmer gave a close in the parish, now called 
The Poor's Close, the rent of which is applied to the 
purpose of putting out boys apprentice. 

The Baptists have a Chapel in the village, which 
has been lately re-built by Mr. Childs; and the 
Wesleyan Methodists have erected one by subscrip- 
tion, which has been open about twelve months. 

There was formerly a Friendly Society in the 
place, to which each member contributed a small 
weekly sum, and in case of illness received a regular 
payment from the funds ; but I am sorry to observe 
(as such societies are particularly beneficial in their 
results), that it has been broken up for some years. 

The Lordship is remarkably well-wooded; Elm. 
Beech, Oak, and indeed almost every species of tree 



42 

flourishes in the most luxuriant manner : the former 
" is allowed to attain a most respectable growth in 
the Counties of Northampton and Leicester. This 
proves its partiality for a dry, loose, and deep soil, 
which latter is an essential object, as it strikes it's 
roots directly downward." There is a very lofty 
holly, upward of four feet in girth at about a foot 
and a half above the ground, on the right hand of 
the foot-road leading to Earl's Barton, in the planta- 
tions of Samuel Isted, Esq. Fruit trees of all kinds 
arrive at great perfection. 

The following scarce birds have been shot at Ec- 
ton : The Nuthatch* the Royston CrowJ Hobby, 
Quail, Sand-piper, Dob-chick, and Kittiwake. 

Discarded Font. — There is a curiously carved 
horse-trough in the Farm-yard of Mr. William Fas- 
cutt, which has evidently descended from its original 
place of destination. It is thought to be the remains 
of the old Font of the Church. It is round, and 
about forty-five inches in circumference, and three 
in thickness. 

* In July, 1809. 

t " The Royston or hooded crow, which breeds in Scotland and 
other northern regions, migrates in October to the southern dis- 
tricts of this island, being forced by the snow from its Dative haunts . 
It is readily distinguished by its ash-colored back, and black head. 
Next to the raven it is the most destructive bird of its genus that 
is known in this country, killing lambs and young partridges, and 
moor-fowl, and picking out the eyes of horses that happen to be en- 
tangled in bogs ; on which account, in several parts of Scotland, it 
is proscribed, and a reward offered for its head." (Aikin.) 



43 

A Statute for hiring servants is regularly held 
here in October. 

The principal businesses of the place are the use- 
ful arts of Lace and Shoe making, as men work at 
the latter for the extensive shoe manufacturers of 
Northampton, " a town," to use the words of an old 
writer, " which may be said to stand on other men's 
legs, where (if not the best) the most and cheapest 
Boots and Stockings are bought in England." 

In 1749 the village consisted of about 90 families 
and 420 inhabitants; by the census of 1801, 90 
houses and 474 inhabitants; and by that of 1811, 
100 houses and 490 inhabitants. 

The Jubilee, Oct. 25th, 1809. 

t 
The Jubilee, commemorative of the fiftieth anni- 
versary of King George III. accession to the throne, 
Oct. 25, 1809, was celebrated in a very joyful man- 
ner at this place. In the morning a Sheep was 
roasted whole in a Close near the town, and after- 
ward paraded through the village, accompanied with 
acclamations of joy. The remainder of the day 
passed with the greatest mirth. 

Eclon Festival in Honour of Peace. 
" A Festival in honour of Peace took place here, 
on Monday the 18th of July, 1814. On this occa- 
sion, the lawn before the house of Samuel Isted, 
Esq., was occupied by the public, about 500 of whom 
sat down to an ample and excellent dinner, provided 
for the occasion. The utmost harmony and con- 



44 

viviality were conspicuous, not a countenance was 
gloomed with sorrow, but every individual appeared 
to feel that this was a day justly appropriated to 
enjoyment. Some of the numerous assembly had 
ribbons in their hats, on which appeared mottoes in 
gold, viz., " Wellington" " Peace and Plenty" and a 
few with the following appropriate inscription : " The 
Rich and Poor are met together, the Lord is the Maker, 
of them all." In fact, the whole of the proceedings 
of the day afforded a practical commentary on this 
text. In the evening dancing commenced, at which 
the old militia band, which was procured for the 
purpose, attended, and after the company had grown 
weary of tripping "on the light fantastic toe," the 
entertainment was varied, and concluded with a 
good display of fire-works." 

The Waits.*— On Christmas Eve, 1815, the Musi- 
cians of Ecton, accompanied by the Vocalists of the 
Church, revived the Custom of going round the vil- 
lage at midnight, and singing a Carol at the princi- 
pal houses. 

Descent of Mr. Greens Balloon at Ecton. 

"On Tuesday, July 30, 1822, about four o'clock 
in the afternoon, Mr. Green, accompanied by Mr. S. 

* " For some time previously to Christmas it is a common prac- 
tice for itinerant musicians to go round playing their instruments 
at midnight ; this is called the waits. The idea is derived from the 
angels that waited, or attended, upon the birth of Christ. In imi- 
tation of these, shepherds, in ancient times, used to usher in 
Christmas with carols and music." 



45 

V. Griffith, proprietor of the Cheltenham Chronicle, 
ascended from Cheltenham ; the balloon went up in 
a most beautiful style, to the admiration of an im- 
mense assemblage of persons ; it was visible for 25 
minutes, and took a south-east direction. The Bal- 
loon descended near North Leach, but on touching 
the ground the aeronauts could not immediately ex- 
tricate themselves ; the balloon reascended, and the 
netting, being partly cut, gave way when about 30 
feet from the earth, and Messrs. Green and Griffith 
were precipitated with great violence to the ground. 
Mr. Green received a serious contusion on the left 
side of the chest, and Mr. Griffith a severe injury of 
the spine. 

The ballon was secured about six o'clock the same 
evening, having fallen in a wheat field of Mr. 
Wright, at Ecton Lodge, apparently without the 
least injury."* 



Walks near Ecton. 

Among the pleasant walks in the vicinity of Ec- 
ton, the one conducting to Earl's Bartonf must have 
the pre-eminence ; as it commands an extensive view 
of the subjacent scenery, including the villages of 
Cogenhoe, Whiston, Grendon, &c, the latter of which 

* The same Aeronaut two years after made a descent at Milton, 
near Northampton. 

t " The Church of this parish is a singular and very curious ex- 
ample of ancient architecture." 



46 

is seen to much advantage, particularly while en- 
riched "with the spoils of parting day;" and among 
the rural places of promenade, I must not omit to 
point out the walk to Sywell, where 

"The rude and moss grown beech,* 
O'er canopies the glade." 

By verging out of the regular road, to the right, a 
rustic temple will be discovered, bounded by plan- 
tations. The walk over the meadows to Winston 
(which possesses " an elegant and uniform church, 
proudly elevated on the brow of a hill, embosomed 
in trees, and completely detached from other build- 
ings") is worthy of notice. About the mid-way be- 
tween these places is a remarkable echo, which will 
repeat several syllables very distinctly. A mile be- 
yond Whiston is Castle Ashby, the seat of the Mar- 
quis of Northampton, which is highly deserving of a 
visit. 

View of Churches described by Mr. Morton. 

"From a hill between Great Billing and Overstone 
we have a view of forty-five Churches, or Steeples : 
twenty spires, twenty-four towers, and one other 
Church. T have here exhibited a list of them. The 
Figures denote the number of miles which each 

* " The leaves of the beech gathered in autumn, before the frost 
has injured them, make better matrasses than straw or chaff, and 
will last seven or eight years. The nuts, eaten raw, occasion giddi- 
ness and severe headache, but baked and powdered make a whole- 
some bread. In Silesia, butter is made from the oil extracted from 
the nut." (Astley's Hints to Planters.) 



47 

Church, or Steeple, is distant from the said Hill. Sp. 
signifies Spire, T. Tower. 

Great Billing, Sp. f of a Mile. 

Hanslope, Sp. 8. 

Piddington, Sp. 5. 

Little Billing, 1\. 

Abington, T. 2. 

Gayton, T. 6. 

St. Giles', Northampton, T. 3. 

All Saints, T. 3. 

Cold Higham, T. 7. 

St. Sepulchre's, Northampton, Sp. 3. 

A Tower, probably Stow Nine 

Churches, 9. 
Boughton, Sp. 2. 
Spratton, Sp. 5. 
Guilsborough, Sp. 8. 
Moulton, T. 1. 
Brixwoith, Sp. H. 
Naseby, Sp. 9. 
Haslebeach, T. 8. 
Overstone, T. J. 
Sywell, T. 1. 
Mear's Ashby, T. 2. 
Cooknoe, T. 3. 
Gt. Houghton, Sp. 4. 
Courtenhall, T. 7. 
Hardingston, T. 4. 
Weston Favell, Sp. li. 
Blisworth, T. 6. 



48 

A Spire, probably Raunds. 
Wilby, Sp. 3. 
Hicham Ferrers, Sp. 7§. 
Rudsden, Sp. 7. 
Irchester, Sp. 6. 
A Spire, probably New- I 
ton Broomeshold, 1. j 
Dodding, T. 3. 
Piddington, Sp. 7. 
Woollaston, Sp. 5. 
Earl's Barton, T. 2. 
Ecton, T. 1. 
Bozeat, Sp. 6. 
Grendon, T. 5. 
Easton Mauduit, Sp. 6. 
Whiston, T. 4, 
Castle Ashby, T. 5. 
Brayfield, T. 3. 



SIR AUGUSTINE NIGHOLLS 

Ecton will be venerated as the birth-place of that 
exemplary character, Sir Augustine Nicholls, Son 
of Thomas Nicholls, Serjeant at Law, whose grand- 
father purchased the Wardon-Abbey Manor in Ec- 
ton, upon which in the twenty-eighth of the reign 
of Elizabeth a fine was levied by Edward Stoninge, 
Gent., and Augustine Nicholls; the former of whom 
sold it to John Freeman, Gent. "When Sir Augustine 



49 

had finished his University education, he studied 
our municipal law, and attained to such eminency 
in it, that Queen Elizabeth made him a Serjeant, 
and King James I. conferred upon him the same 
office ; whence he was freely preferred to be one of 
the Judges. Freely (we say) because King James 
used to call him The Judge that would give no money. 

In his office he was renowned for the best judiciary 
endowments, as patience to hear, a memory to re- 
tain, a sagacity to search and discern, and integrity 
to determine impartially all causes without any 
gratuit}' whatever. He never would trayel upon 
the Lord's Day, which wrought a reformation upon 
some of his own order ; and he loved (as he expressed 
it) plain and honest preaching, which touched the 
conscience, not tickled the ears. He died as he 
went the Northern Circuit, and has a fair monument 
set up for him in Kendal Church, Westmorland." 

Mr. Pennant calls it " a mural monument of Sir 
Augustine Nicholls, one of the Justices of the Com- 
mon Pleas, who died here (Kendal) in Court, in 
discharge of his office in 1616." (See " Tour from 
Downing to Alston Moor" p. 119. 

THE FAMILY OF 

DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN 

It appears that the celebrated Dr. Benjamin 
Franklin's Ancestors had " a freehold estate of about 
thirty acres at Ecton, for the space of at least three 

4 



50 

hundred years, where they resided, carrying on the 
trade of Blacksmith." 

" The Doctor's Grandfather Thomas was born here 
in 1598, lived at Ecton till he was too old to con- 
tinue his trade, when he retired to Banbury, Oxford- 
shire, where his son John, who was a dyer, resided, 
and with whom Josias the Doctor's Father was ap- 
prenticed. He died and was buried there. His 
eldest son lived in the family house at Ecton, which 
he bequeathed, with the land belonging to it, to his 
only daughter ; who, in concert with her husband, 
Mr. Fisher, of Wellingborough, afterward sold it to 
Mr. Isted. 

Dr. Franklin's Grandfather had four sons, Thomas, 
John, Benjamin, and Josias, born at Ecton. 

Thomas had learned the trade of Blacksmith un- 
der his Father; but possessing a good natural under- 
standing, he improved it by study, at the solicitation 
of a gentleman of the name of Palmer, who was at 
that time the principal inhabitant of the village, and 
who encouraged, in like manner, all his Brothers to 
cultivate their minds. Thomas thus rendered him- 
self competent to the functions of a country attor- 
ney ; soon became an essential personage in the 
affairs of the village ; and was one of the chief 
movers of every public enterprise as well relative to 
the county, as the town, of Northampton. After 
enjoying the esteem and patronage of Lord Halifax, 
he died January 6, 1702.* 

* See inscription on his monument, p. 26. 



51 

John, it is said, was brought up to the trade of 
wool-dyer. 

Benjamin, served his apprenticeship in London to 
a silk-dyer. He arrived at a great age, and left be- 
hind h i 1 ii two quarto volumes of poems in manuscript, 
consisting of little fugitive pieces addressed to his 
friends. He invented a short hand. Was a man of 
piety, and a constant attendant on the best preach- 
ers, whose sermons he took a pleasure in writing 
down, according to the expeditory method he had 
devised. Many volumes were thus collected by him." 

I regret to state that the house which the Frank- 
lin Family inhabited has long ago been demolished. 
It was situated in the lower part of the village. 

FINIS. 



INDEX. 

• Page. 

Bagley, Mr., . . . H, 40 

Balloon, Descent of Mr. Green's. 44 

Baptists' Chapel, 41 

Barker, Mr. John, 23, 40 

Bavnes, Christian, • • D3 

Beech, leaves of, 4fi 

Billing, (Thomas) Extract from the Will of. ... 11 

Birds, scarce, shot at Bcton. . . . • .42 

Businesses, ......-'••• 43 

Church, . . - . • • • • • • .11 

Engraving of, by Toms, 12 

Lane House, . ^0 

« 'ircular Carved Stone, 13 

Descent of the Manor, 6 

Dibdin's (Dr.) Visit to Ecton, 30 

Discarded Font . 42 

Echo, remarkable, ........ 46 

Ecton. its former state, - r > 

tradition of its having been a Market town. . . 6 

antiquity of, . . 38 

House, ......... 29 

Library, ........ 30 

Billiard Room, 32 

Drawing Room. ....... 32 

Little ditto 33 

Tapestry Room, 34 

Flower Gardens, ...... ^K 

Excavated stone in the church. !•- 



Fascutt, antiquity of the Family of, 24 

Festival in honour of Peace, 43 

Fossil Shells, 11 

Franklin, Family of, . . 49 

Franklin, Thomas, 26 

Eleanor, 26 

Freeman, Dr., 21 

Free School, . . . 41 

Friendly Society, 41 

Gravel Pits 9 

Hogarth, • . 39, 41 

Paintings of, 39 

Impromptu, Know thyself, 32 

Incumbents, 14 

Isted, Ambrose, Esq., Mr. Cumberland's character of. . 35 

Mrs. Sarah, • . . .34 

Thomas, 35 

Mrs. Anne, 35 

James II., 37 

Jones Mary, the Wife of the Rev. Francis, . . .25 
Jubilee, • 43 

Latham, John, . . . . . . . . . .27 

Longevity, Instances of, 28 

Meade, Hon. Mrs., 33 

Middleton, (Rev. Archdeacon) 18 

Mitchell, Mary, 27 

Nicholls, (Sir Augustine) Biographical Sketch of, . . 48 

Northampton Well, 11 

Nunnery, 29 

Northumberland Household Book, 31 

Orlebar, Oonstantia, . 25 

Mary and Elizabeth, 25 

(Miss Ann) Cottage of, .40 

Palmer, (Archdeacon) Biographical Sketch of, . . .16 

Monument, 19 

Anna, : 18, 20 

Brigetta, 19 



Palmer John, 19 

• Thomag 20 

Parochial Registers. ........ 14 

Poor's Close. 41 

Population. .......... 43 

Percy. (Bp.) 30, 37 

(Bp.) Reliques of, (Original MS.) 30 

Lady, 37 

Rectory House. 39 

Rose. F 35 

Saxon Coins. 38 

Smith, Mrs. Catherine. 23 

Statute 43 

Trees, flourishing, ........ 41 

View of Churches near Ecton. .46 

Waits 44 

Wake 14 

Walks near Ecton, 45 

Walpole, Mary. 27 

Daniel, 27 

Elizabeth 28 

Wesleyan Methodists' Chapel, 41 

Whalley, (Rev. Peter) Biographical Sketch of. ... 17 

(Rev. Eyre) 22 

(Rev. Palmer) 22, 24, 40 

(Catherine Maiia) 23 

World's End 40 



ubhahy OF CONGRESS 



019 837 967 



